Pressure Sensor Assembly With Volume Compensation for Membrane Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure-sensor devices face challenges in production complexity and cost due to the integration of compensation elements, which are often complex to install and require specific construction of the supporting body to accommodate these elements, especially when operating in low temperatures where fluid freezing can cause membrane damage.
Innovation Solution
A self-standing pressure-sensor assembly with a compensation element made of elastically deformable material, reinforced by a stiffer core, which is overmoulded onto a sensor body, allowing for easier assembly and reduced production costs, and includes sealing and supporting elements for precise installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compensation elements are integrated into pressure-sensor devices to prevent membrane damage from fluid expansion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compensation element with the supporting body by integrating it into the duct structure. The compensation element is positioned within the duct that delivers fluid to the membrane, combining multiple functions (structural support, fluid delivery, and volume compensation) into a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting body's duct is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, delivers fluid to the membrane, and incorporates the compensation element to handle fluid expansion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device construction while ensuring reliable membrane protection
2Reliability
If compensation elements are mounted on the supporting body with dedicated positioning inserts, then compensation function is achieved, but production time and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation element is integrated directly into the duct structure of the supporting body, eliminating the need for separate positioning inserts and dedicated mounting operations. This merging of functions allows the compensation element to be installed as part of the standard supporting body assembly, significantly improving production efficiency while maintaining the compensation function
3Ease of operation
If the supporting body is constructed with a dedicated duct for compensation element installation, then compensation element positioning is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct in the supporting body is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides structural support, fluid delivery pathways, and positioning for the compensation element. This universal design eliminates the need for separate positioning structures, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring proper element positioning
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a simpler, cost-effective production process with improved reliability by preventing membrane damage from fluid expansion and facilitating handling as a single unit, reducing installation complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a compensation element (3), made at least in part of an elastically deformable or compressible material, suitable for compensating a possible increase in volume of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure-sensor assembly (1) for detecting the pressure of a fluid comprises: —a pressure-sensitive component (2), having a generally cup-shaped sensor body (5), which includes a bottom portion (5a) and a peripheral portion (5b) that define an axial cavity (C1, C2), the bottom portion (5a) including an elastically deformable membrane part, which closes the axial cavity (C1, C2) at one end of the sensor body (5), and the peripheral portion (5b) having a distal edge opposite to the bottom portion (5a), which delimits an inlet of the axial cavity (C1, C2), the bottom portion (5a) having associated thereto at least one element for detecting deformation of the membrane part; and —a compensation element (3), configured for compensating possible variations of volume of the fluid, comprising at least one compensation body (8), made of a first elastically deformable or compressible material, and a core (9) fixed on which is the at least one compensation body (8), the core (9) being made of a second material stiffer than the first material. The sensor body (5) and the compensation element (3) are configured as distinct parts, and at least one first portion (8b, 8c) of the compensation element (3) is configured for coupling with elastic interference on the sensor body (5), in such a way that the pressure-sensitive component (2) and the compensation element (3) can be handled as a single unit.